Rocking Horse War

One sunny morning the triplets disappear, leaving only a few mysterious clues behind: an open upstairs window, three missing rocking horses and some strangely shaped marks on the lawn outside. Could they be hoofprints? Used to their silly pranks, older sister Pearl sets out to find them. At the garden gate she encounters Thomas, the snooty grandson of a local earl, who warns her that the moors aren’t safe today. But who is he to boss Pearl around? As she searches for the triplets and tries to outwit Thomas, Pearl’s journey through the rugged Scottish hills unfolds into an incredible and perilous adventure. Pearl strives to outwit living, breathing rocking horses and several powerful land magicians, who turn the very rocks of the mountains against her. But can she trust the mysterious Thomas? And can she save her brother and sisters from the unknown fate that lies ahead? A tale of dark magic and destiny set in the 1920s Scottish Highlands.

Reviews of Rocking Horse War

"Don's fast-paced, well-crafted tale of betrayal, magic and adventure is also a reflection on choice and destiny. A strong sense of place, good characterisation and a refreshingly competent heroine make this a thoroughly enjoyable read." — Juliette Saumande, Bookfest: Recommended Reading Guide 2010 by Children's Books Ireland 'Full of odd events, strange legends and stunning, sometimes unstable landscapes, it is also punctuated by intelligent arguments about destiny and free will. Descriptive and finely attuned to its Scottish Highland setting this atmospheric fantasy tale would work well as a class or group reader.' — Write Away 'Fiction can be about escapism into the life of a hero or heroine, or confirmation of the kind of person you hope to be. There are plenty of children out there who will be excited and inspired by this book.' — Lothian Life 'The most satisfying accomplishment of this book is the characterisation of Pearl. She often seems to be peripheral to the main action. She is a quiet and thoughtful character. But even when she is far from centre stage, her influence is persistent. Pearl makes this a praiseworthy book.' — Armadillo 'A lovely, old fashioned, mystical tale set in the Scottish Highlands in the 1920s and woven by a true storyteller… It is a story for those who have had enough of vampires and the like, a tale that returns to the roots of stories shared around the fireside, full of dark history and human frailty and the endurance of love and loyalty no matter what.' — Yvonne Coppard, Carousel, Spring 2011 'I really enjoyed this book, the adventure and the situations Pearl had to work her way through.' — Carly MacDonald (Gracemount High), Teen Titles, December 2010 'Hoof prints on the lawn give a clue in the "tale of dark magic and destiny set in the 1920s Scottish Highlands." Pearl and the mysterious boy named Thomas set out on a quest to save the children. Readers will love it.' — The Yellow Brick Road 'This is the one for me. From magic to missing triplets to intrigue, you have it all. Set in the Highlands in the 1920's, Pearl is trying to find her siblings… Discovering a world of magic all around her, Pearl is fighting off magicians and the very land she walks hoping that there is a way to get everything back to the way it should be.' — Crazed Mind